Mumbai, April 9 Comedian Kunal Kamra appeared before a committee of the Maharashtra legislature on Thursday and stated that he felt no remorse over his remarks targeting Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and he would not apologize.
He later shared on social media that he stood by his statements and would not offer an "insincere" apology.
A committee was constituted to examine the complaint against Kamra after a notice of privilege was issued against him.
"The way I remember the last three questions of my cross-examination this evening – Do you feel remorse? No. Are you sorry about what you said? No. If you offer an unconditional apology, this matter will be looked at differently – No, I can't, as the apology would not be sincere. Also, it would set a terrible precedent for other artists and their freedom," he wrote.
Earlier, chairman of the privileges committee Prasad Lad said that a complaint had been filed by Pravin Darekar, a BJP Member of the Legislative Council, against Kunal Kamra.
"Cross-questioning of both Kunal Kamra and Pravin Darekar took place today. Around 24 questions were asked to Kunal Kamra," Lad said.
"Questions were also raised about constitutional rights and the rights of the Privileges Committee. He answered all the questions. The committee also informed him that if he offers an unconditional apology, the matter would be considered differently. His lawyer stated that they would discuss this with him and send their response to the committee in writing via email," Lad added.